Saturdays with Baylor Flare

I tried to begin this post by writing witty new lyrics to the Baylor University fight song.  You know, that school in Texas, in the city where David Koresh went bonkers?  Yeah.  There. 

I find myself seriously disappointed in my powers of rhyme and meter this evening, so instead of "crucifying this verse" as Cole Porter might put it, I'll just tell you about my latest project, mmmk?

Baylor-inspired Saturdays in the much-loved green and yellow

I used to live in Washington D.C. - a fun time in my life, during which I acquired several lifelong friendships.  I wish I had the time and money to visit those people every year, but at this point, many of them have scattered to the four winds, like myself, and facebook stands in the place of costly trips these days.

I of course landed in the best place, Southern Indiana.  But my good friend, Lisa, would certainly take issue with that point of view.

You see, she's from Texas.

Yup.  And she's having a Texas birthday this year. 

So she called me up to find out if cake pops...that is...Saturdays...ship well.  Which they do!  And tomorrow morning they'll be winging their way to her door. 

Lemon Cake, Vanilla Butter Cream, White Chocolate Candy Coating

I have had the privilege of calling a few people my friend over the  years who have shown themselves to be the very best, stalwart kind of souls you want walking with you through your life. 

Lisa's one of those people. 

I haven't actually seen her for more than four years, but my son sleeps with a quilt she made by hand, and every day I eat off of dishes she bought for me as a wedding gift years ago.  I have a great suspicion that she has silently come to my aid when I've been most in need, though I can't prove it.  She's on a very short list of people I am sure I will know when I am 80 - and on an even shorter list of people I knowwho will still be able to hold their liquor when they're that old.

When I was lonely and lost in a big city, God gave me a good friend.  I enjoyed many happy evenings in her company, and only wish I could help celebrate her birthday in person.

Here's to you, Lisa.  I thank God for allowing our paths to cross, and I pray God's blessings on your head. 

Happy Birthday.  Go eat cake:).

Spice Cake Pumpkin...not Pumpkin Spice Cake

Sometimes elaborate details are the last thing a cake needs.  Sometimes it's just perfect with a few, simple embelishments.

I realized as I was about to pipe a jack-o-lantern face on this October Special pumpkin cake that I was about to ruin it's simple beauty. 

Less is more.  This cake said "Hey!  I'm done!"  And it was right:).

October may be my favorite month of the entire calendar year.  The cool temperatures return, the colors of the leaves and the promise of many cozy, cold months ahead.  I know, I'm crazy.  But if you were as pale as me, you wouldn't be too keen on direct sunlight and warm temperatures.  I'm just sayin.

And, October has the added bonus of being the month when I'm allowed to start watching White Christmas again!  I'm going to try to hold out until after Halloween - or Reformation Day, as I prefer to think of it - but I promise nothing. 

A little gum paste ivy and leaf work

In this my most favorite month, I'm happy that someone took me up on the little special, and I hope this four layer spice cake with cream cheese butter cream helps keep the party it' going to festive.  Happy eating!

50 Golden Years

Here are the pictures of the latest creation.  A Golden Anniversary isn't easy to come by these days, so three cheers for this Mr. and Mrs.  May you have many many more!

Just Golden

Have you ever just fallen in love with something?  I mean - not like when you met your husband - more like when you first realized you had a talent and that talent brought you joy?

I love making flowers out of sugar.  It requires a lot of time and patience, but it brings me so much joy to take that lump of sugar paste and turn it into edible art. 

And by the way...I think I'm getting better with the camera!

This week, I was asked to make a golden anniversary cake.  Better than that, I was asked to make a golden anniversary cake with a bouquet of gum paste roses. 

I can't wait for the day I get a bride who asks for piles of roses falling down the side of some gorgeous, multi-tiered cake.  Know anyone who would be interested in something like that?  Send her my way:). 

In the meantime, I will enjoy my week with these lovely roses.  Just...golden!

A Happy Afternoon

I just wanted to share a few more pictures from today's festivities.  What a wonderful moment for Pastor Aaron and Christy, and what a good thing for our church.  A happy afternon, yes, it certainly was! 

Ordained!

Pastor Aaron's Ordination Cake

My good friend and pastor, Aaron, has passed a major milestone in his ministry.  He has passed his ordination, and on Sunday, our church is going to celebrate with him and his family.

Of course, if there's a reason to celebrate...there's a reason for cake! 

I kept this simple - buttery yellow cake with vanilla buttercream.  The celitc cross is a design I've always loved and wanted to try. 

Congratulations, Pastor Aaron!  We are blessed to have you and your lovely wife ministering to us!

October Special #1

It's October - one of my FAVORITE months of the year.  I don't love it because of the creepy Halloween stuff.  I love it because I love fall.  I'm in autumnal bliss, folks!

So I've been inspired to extend my market research to some seasonal specials.  Each month I'm going to offer a cake, a pastry and a nourishing product at a discounted price to celebrate the seasons and to test the waters.

OCTOBER SPECIAL #1
First up this month, I'm offering a spice cake with cream cheese butter cream.  The 8" round cake will be carved as a pumpkin and decorated with a happy, sad, spooky or made jack-o-lantern face.  I'm making this October special available for just $50.00 - - it will can be the centerpiece of your treat table and the talk of your party.  This is the best spice cake ever!!

This is a smaller version of a pumpkin cake I did last year,
but it's a good idea of what your cake might look like!

Stay tuned for other great deals this month.  Happy Fall y'all!

Winner!

Congrats to Kim!!!

Our Linton, IN winner is now the proud owner of her very own Fat Daddio Hemi Muffin Pan!!

Happy Baking, Kim!  And make sure you tell everyone you know about Bake Lore!